Port's injured Westhoff on crutches

Port Adelaide forward Justin Westhoff looks set to miss the Power's heavyweight clash against Sydney after being spotted on crutches at training on Friday.

Justin Westhoff of Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide Justin Westhoff looks set to miss the Power's heavyweight clash against Sydney. (AAP)

Port Adelaide forward Justin Westhoff is on crutches and could miss the Power's heavyweight AFL clash against Sydney on Saturday night.

Westhoff rolled his ankle at training on Wednesday night and took no part in Port's final training on Friday ahead of the Adelaide Oval contest.

The 27-year-old is the latest victim in a spate of ankle injuries to plague the club this season, but Port coach Ken Hinkley insists the tall utility could yet front against the Swans.

"I'd say he's better than 50-50 to play," Hinkley told reporters.

"The crutches are just to keep the weight off (the ankle) for as long as we possibly can.

"He's certainly doubtful. But we are going to give him every chance to get up."

Hinkley said Westhoff wouldn't be risked despite the high-stakes of the fixture - Port are fifth, the Swans sit second.

"It was a pretty simple ankle sprain and it swelled up quite quickly," he said.

"It's just a matter of getting the swelling out because the pain is something he can manage.

"His comment to me before was that he is 80-20 to play ... but if there's any chance that he can't perform at his best then we won't go there."

While Westhoff's injury is as unwelcome distraction, the return of key defender Jackson Trengove following ankle surgery a month ago softens the blow.

Trengove has not featured since round 15 in Port's Showdown defeat to Adelaide, but Hinkley has no concerns regarding the 23-year-old's fitness.

"He's moving around well, jumping well, there's no doubt in our mind he's ready to play," Hinkley said.

"I'd love for him to have the absolute best game he can possibly play but I just want him to compete with the team."

Kane Mitchell and Jake Neade have also been named for the Power at the expense of omitted trio Paul Stewart, Ben Newton and Jarman Impey.

Stewart is on standby though along with defender Tom Clurey to replace Westhoff if he fails to prove his fitness.

Sydney welcome back star duo Lance Franklin (knee) and Dan Hannebery, who returns from a seven-week absence after recovering from a torn ankle ligament against the Power in round 13. Tim Membrey and Dean Towers were omitted.


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